by Judy Bereza, guest blogger

The setting: A conversation around our daughter and son-in-law’s dinner table in Los Angeles last fall. The topic of discussion: The Huntington.

My husband and I were raving about it after visiting it earlier in the day, and a friend at the table, a local, said “It’s the best thing in LA. Whenever we have out of town visitors, that’s where we take them. They are always blown away!”

I understood that remark. It described my reaction perfectly. The Huntington, in Pasadena, is an array of botanical gardens, a rare book research library, a renowned art collection, and several exquisite restaurants. It was founded in 1919 by Henry E. Huntington, a railroad and real estate magnate and visionary. He and his wife built a magnificent estate on their 300 acre ranch and filled it with a splendid art collection. He planted acres of gardens, built an impressive building to house his library, and then donated it all to an educational and non profit trust.

Our first visit was with our two year old grandson, who loves going there. After that visit we became members and returned four more times with grandson in tow, each time discovering something new.

The photos give only a ”survey course” of all the delights for visitors, but let it be a teaser for your next visit to Los Angeles.

Judy Bereza is a retired interior designer/kitchen expert, constant walker and “Nana” to five adorable grand children. With friends she has hiked in Wales, Cornwall, Switzerland, Smokey Mountain National Park, Ireland and California.

Occasionally she veers off the trail to explore a different kind of travel adventure that includes her husband..