Ongoing Tour of Pasadena

Within a 15-minute drive from downtown, or take the Gold Line, which drops you off at Union Station. Have to go see Old Town on a Saturday night - full of people, both locals and visitors. There's a nice drive down Oak Knoll near the Ritz Carlton area with gorgeous mansions... great for dream-building. The Rose Bowl during college football season is a unique experience, especially if you're an ex-Bruin. Norton Simon Museum and Huntington Gardens are must-sees, if you're going to be in the area anyway. Have a pastrami at The Hat on Lake Ave., north of the 210 Fwy. The annual Pasadena Jazz Festival on Memorial Day Weekend is a great family event, with good food and better music, along with kid-friendly activities throughout.

Quick Tips:

Pick up a Pasadena Weekly at any local store. Old Town parking lots are free for 1 1/2 hours. Go to www.pasadena.com or www.oldpasadena.com.

Best Way To Get Around:

Drive. This is true of anywhere in Los Angeles.

Wife took me there for my birthday, and I've also had business presentations there. Very good steakhouse; I had the filet mignon both times and was not disappointed. It has a nice, toned-down but elegant atmosphere. The event room can comfortably seat 60-70 people. Staff was courteous and efficient.

Consistently one of LA's top 30 restuarants (Zagat) and one of the top 100 restaurants in the country (Conde Nast). Went there for a business function. Had the rack of lamb - very tender without any of the expected aftertaste. The event room is small and long, enough for one long table only. Our party was somewhat big, and some people had to be seated at a small side table. More to do with our group's size than anything being wrong with the restaurant, though.

Ambience is very romantic. I'm planning on taking my wife there on a special occasion sometime soon.

It’s an ice-cream joint. Located on historic route 66 as it winds through South Pasadena, I was actually introduced to this place many years ago, before I moved to this city. My wife and I have been back many times, and it doesn't get old.

Yes, the store also sells prescription drugs. There's also a lunch/snack menu with burgers, hot dogs, etc. Really, though, we come here for the ice cream. Always in the top-10 lists of ice cream shops in LA, this place is worth the extra calories. Sundaes, banana splits, brownie ice-cream confections... it harkens back to the "olde soda shoppe" type of establishment.

Go often, but go early. They close at 8pm.

Since 1951, The Hat has been serving up deli fare on the corner of Lake & Villa in Pasadena, just north of the 210. It has since expanded to several locations throughout the San Gabriel Valley, but the Pasadena location is the first. Easy to find, and adequate parking.

Basically, come here for the pastrami. It's that simple. The pastrami dip sandwich ($6.29) is what made this place "world famous." Its not overy salty or oily, just nicely tender and flavorful. Its also HUGE! Don't eat breakfast if you come here for lunch, otherwise you'll be taking half a pastrami home and eating it later (not that there's anything wrong with that, per se). Try the chili fries - the fries themselves remain crisp underneath a mountain of molten chili. Then wash the whole thing down with an order of horchata or orange bang (sodas are available for the less adventurous).

We spent an afternoon here and had a very enjoyable time, though neither of us know too much about art. Their collections are extensive and run the gamut from Renaissance masters to more contemporary abstract pieces.

The museum and gardens are open 12pm - 6pm daily except Tuesdays. We spent a Sunday afternoon there... not crowded at all, easy parking and admission price ($6) was reasonable. Seniors are half-price and students with a valid ID are free.

The grounds are well-manicured both front and back and were an idyllic place to just relax. In the far back portion of the garden, the 210 Fwy and Colorado Blvd intruded somewhat on the mood; but if you come in just a few yards closer to the main house, the noise level drops off considerably. There is a cafe outside in the back garden - basic fare but all the essentials are there.

When we went, there was an exhibition of Indian art, which was very interesting and eye-opening. In addition, the home collection was very extensive. We found that we enjoyed the classical paintings more than the more contemporary art. They have available an audio commentary for rent when you get there. Maybe next time, we'll try it.

Overall, an excellent time. If you're visiting, and only get to go there once, spend more than an afternoon - you're really selling yourself and the museum short if you spend less than a day. Evening dining is close by at Old Town Pasadena, so make a day-trip out of it.