VISITS AND VACATIONS

 Hello ladies and gents this is the Viking telling you that today we are talking about

Things to See and Do in Pasadena, California

There’s an old joke that often rings true: no one’s really from LA and if they are, they’re from Pasadena. In a county that’s always getting a facelift, Pasadena manages to feel historically preserved yet flush with modern amenities. Beyond its trademark opulent real estate are opportunities for tea parties, quirky gifts and even ice skating.

Pasadena City Hall

Step back in time at Pasadena City Hall to bask in its design. Even Old Town Pasadena, a quaint section of the downtown area, can’t match the charm of walking down Holly Street at night. The domed building is lit like a piece of art, casting dramatic shadows past its stony arches. During the day, you can further appreciate this rare, West Coast example of the City-Beautiful movement that marries Spanish Colonial Revival and Mediterranean Revival styles.

Pasadena Ice Skating Center, Pasadena

The coolest attraction in the city, the Pasadena Ice Skating Center makes it possible to go from shorts to skates in no time. The facility hosts public skate sessions for $15 (including skate rental) that usually take place throughout the afternoon and sometimes in the morning or evening. The Lunch Bunch session allows adults (18 and older) to skate around the rink for $3 less without crashing into little ones. More advanced skaters can participate in freestyle skate sessions and hockey fans can enjoy a pick-up game Monday through Thursday.

The Pasadena Playhouse

The Pasadena Playhouse played a major part in the budding careers of many actors and entertainers, from Dustin Hoffman to Ariana Grande. Starting in 1917, the playhouse hosted classes and performances for several decades, growing an illustrious alumni list in the process. 

Though it brought the esteem of the stage to LA, away from the still revered West End in London or New York’s Broadway, the theater closed from 1969-85. Since its revival, the playhouse hasn’t skipped a beat, putting on ambitious productions and recently hosting a raucous 100th anniversary block party. Even if you don’t have time for a show, you can easily schedule a specialized tour of California’s official state theater.

And as always have a chilled day from the Viking