Travel & Tourism
Original In-N-Out in Baldwin Park: Replica of the First Store
Is there anything as Californian as In-N-Out Burger? People from all over the world make it their first stop as soon as they exit their plane into our state, and people who leave California to live in greener pastures always yearn for the crossed palm trees that symbolize In-N-Out. I am just another In-N-Out fan, so on a trip into LA a few weeks ago, I stopped by the replica of the original In-N-Out in Baldwin Park, CA. I say replica as the original was demolished to make way for the 10 Freeway decades ago, but that being said, the reproduction is a fantastic step into the past that all In-N-Out fans should make the trip to. Here is all the information so you can check it out. Details Hours: Open Thurs – Sun: 11 AM – 2 PM Location: 13766 Francisquito Ave, Baldwin Park, CA 91706 Information from when I visited in 2016 and 2024 Video Here is a video I made on my visit in 2024. [embedded content] History You will learn a lot of this information when you visit the location, but the brief history of this spot is as follows. The first In-N-Out was opened in Baldwin Park in 1948 by Harry Snyder; now, they have over 300 locations in multiple states. Where do the crossed palm trees come from? I was interested in this, so I asked, and I was told the owner liked a movie called Mad Mad World, which features the trees. Because of that, he incorporated them into the In-N-Out logo in the 1970s. The Replica When I pulled up into the parking lot for the original In-N-Out, I was immediately greeted by a worker who operated the station during the short time it is open on the weekends. She was great and told me all about the history of In-N-Out while letting me explore the interior and exterior of the replica. The interior is full of replicas of the original equipment from the first store. I found this to be a great way to showcase where In-N-Out came from and what was originally used to make the burgers. They have an old cheese grater, fridge, and cooking surface. All of which have been meticulously recreated to give it an authentic feel. You can walk around and explore all of this to your heart’s content. Outside, they even have a potato washer from the original store, and there were a bunch of old black and white photos showcasing the original location and other parts of In-N-Out’s history. After walking around the interior, I walked through the old drive-thru, complete with a sign showing how cheap the burgers were. They had an old cigarette machine in the drive-thru, which was a fixture of the drive-thru when it opened. As I was walking through, the worker opened the window and gave me a sticker and info on the original In-N-Out, which was a fun addition. In the back corner, there is a set of picnic benches and, of course, the famous crossed palm trees of In-N-Out fame. You can’t order food here, but there is a real In-N-Out and the In-N-Out University (for training employees) on the other side of the freeway, so it is an excellent place to get your fix. All in all, this is a fantastic little spot to explore, I loved my time here, and I recommend you check it out as well. Do make sure to go when the location is open though, or else you will just be able to look at it from outside the gate. Let me know your thoughts in the comments.
Winter Fest OC at the Orange County Fair & Events Center
Winter Fest OC, at the OC Fair Grounds, is Orange County’s entry into the crowded but always fun Christmas activity scene. I am a huge fan of Christmas and all of the unique events it brings, so I try my best to go to every place near me that celebrates it and gets into the holiday spirit. Winter Fest OC feels like a Christmas fair with food, rides, shows and lots of fun light installations. I went in 2022, 2023 and 2024 (it is becoming a tradition) and had a blast with my family, meeting Santa, riding the ice tubing hill, and watching the tree lighting. Here is all the information on this fun holiday event. Details 2024 cost, hours, and new attraction information are available here Runs till Jan 5th Cost: Ticket prices vary from $30+, and some attractions cost above that (such as ice skating). Parking is an additional $12 Location: 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 Check out my Instagram for a video on the visit. Getting There The event is located at the OC Fair & Events Center. As you get off the freeway there will be signs directing you where to park for the event. Winter Fest OC After paying for parking and finding a spot in the large lot, you will head over to pick up your tickets and enter the event. Right when you enter, you will be surrounded by Christmas trees and may experience some fake snow as you walk past the Winter Fest OC sign! The lighting installations follow with light tunnels, lit-up ornaments, light up houses, and more. These light-up structures were one of the highlights for me, and they were all over the fairgrounds, especially in the Journey to the North Pole area. They are great for photos of the whole family. Winter Fest OC basically takes over one of the parking areas for the OC Fair and Events Center, so there is a lot of space to spread out, and it feels like a big event. Attractions We had tickets that included the attractions, so here are a few of the things we did. Snow tubing Snow tubing was by far my favorite part. It was fast and a total blast to race your friends down the hill. I come back every year just to do this. I could honestly do this for hours! Ferris Wheel My kids love the Ferris Wheel, so we rode it here, and it gave an excellent high-up view of the event. Ice Skating Ice skating is always a blast and they had a good size ice rink here for you to skate around. You need to buy tickets for a specific time in advance. The Christmas Light House In 2024, they removed the previous tree lighting show and added a house that has thousands of lights on it and dances to the music. I thought this was a great addition as my kids loved sitting with some food and just watching the house “dance.” North Pole Experience The North Pole Experience is always an event highlight for us. They have tons of decorated areas for photos, a full train set with working trains and an area to write letters to Santa. At the end they had a spot where you could take photos with Santa and some interactive games like throwing presents into a chimney. My kids loved both of these and I am glad they added them! Snow Play This was by far the highlight for my kids in 2024. They spent an hour here and probably could have spent the whole night there. They had two large snow areas for running around and making snowballs, a ride on tube experience and a small snow hill for toddlers. If you have young children this is almost worth the price of admission by itself. Food The event also has a bunch of fun food vendors ranging from kettle corn and turkey legs to chocolate chip cookies and curly fries. There is something for everyone and it feels like what you would see at a fair. These are just a few things you can do at Winter Fest OC, and there are also many places to eat and many more attractions around the festival grounds. My family and I had a blast experiencing the event, and if you are in Orange County, it is worth checking out. Just note that it can be expensive if you have a large family and want to do many of the add on attractions but it is hard to beat finding a fun area for your kids to play in with real snow! Let me know what you think in the comments.
Riding the Haunted Hayride in Los Angeles: One of the cities best Halloween Attractions
As the sun sets over Los Angeles, casting long shadows across the palm trees, the air becomes thick with anticipation and the scent of autumn leaves. The city is a great spot to experience Halloween, with attractions for kids and adults strewn throughout the urban wonderland. If you are looking for family-friendly adventures, check out this post. If you are looking for some scares, then be sure to add the Haunted Hayride to your list. Here is all the information. Details Cost: Starting at $39 per person Select days throughout October Too intense for younger children. Information from my visit in 2024 Getting There Nestled in the heart of Griffith Park, the Haunted Hayride offers an ideal backdrop with its sprawling woods and haunting ambiance. Three lots are available for parking, and shuttles run between the three to take you to the entrance of the Haunted Hayride attraction. Check their website for more information on where to park. The Event While the Haunted Hayride and the mazes are the main attractions, there is actually a lot to do at the property. After checking in, you will walk through a tunnel and arrive in the town of “Midnight Falls,” where this spooky adventure takes place. If you are hungry, there are plenty of food trucks with options ranging from kettle corn to hamburgers, and drinks and sweet treats like s’mores are also available. In the middle of the park, there is a stage where you can see a few different shows, with the most fun being the Monte Revolta show, which is full of punk rock music and fun quips. It was a lot more fun than I anticipated. There are also many different backdrops from which you can take photos to commemorate the event. I was very impressed with how immersive the whole event was, with so much attention to detail that it felt like I was exploring Midnight Falls. Towards the back, there is a merry-go-round that you can ride which has skeleton horses, I thought that was a very fun touch. Haunted Hayride Of course, the main reason to go is to ride the namesake Haunted Hayride. I had never done this before and I have to say it was great and I really enjoyed it. Just the right amount of scares without being gory or sadistic. Even my wife, who really doesn’t like this type of thing, had a lot of fun here. During the ride, you will go through multiple “locations” where a jump scare usually awaits you. They are well set up and are a lot of fun, but if you are near the back, you will miss a lot of the scares. It was a total blast, though, and I enjoyed it. The Mazes The last attraction to experience while there are the mazes. There were three of them and they took about 8-10 minutes each to walk through. I will say that these are on the scarier side, and much more intense then what you saw during the hayride. Amie decided to skip them, but I did all three. The mazes are laid out so you never know what is around each corner, and it adds to the suspense and scares that you will experience while in each of them. For me, the Trick or Treat one was the best as it had some elaborate set pieces, such as a hallway with lockers that were opening and closing on their own, which was eerie. Your enjoyment of each of these will depend on how much you like to be scared and be in situations like this. Overall, I thought this was an enjoyable way to spend a Halloween night in Los Angeles. It was the right amount of spooky and fun and I am glad I got a chance to go. Let me know your thoughts in the comments, and check out more Halloween posts here.
Touring the Mission Inn’s Historic Catacombs
The Mission Inn in Riverside, California, is known for its stunning architecture, rich history, and mysterious catacombs that have captured the imaginations of many. I, for one, have been hoping to visit the catacombs for a long time, but they have been off-limits for as long as I can remember. So when I heard they were reopening just for Halloween, I jumped at the chance to experience this historic part of Southern California. Here is all the information. Details Tours are booked for October, but availability is still open in November There is no way to book online; you have to call the reservation line to book – 951-784-0300 All information is from October 1, 2024, and will change. Origins of the Catacombs Built by Frank Miller, the inn started as a small adobe guesthouse in 1876 and evolved into a grand resort by the early 20th century, becoming a hub for celebrities, politicians, and dignitaries. The catacombs beneath the Mission Inn were constructed during one of Miller’s extensive expansions, likely around the early 1900s. These tunnels were supposedly designed to house his collection of art and antiques from his travels worldwide. Legends and Mysteries Over the years, the catacombs became a subject of local lore. Some claim they were part of underground hideaways that led all the way to Mt Rubidoux, but that has never been proven and is most likely false. There have been stories of hauntings and eerie experiences within these tunnels, adding to their mystery. Access to the catacombs is restricted now, but during certain tours, visitors can glimpse a portion of these underground spaces. Mission Inn Catacombs Tour In October 2024, the Mission Inn decided to open up the catacombs for a special Halloween tour, and I went to experience it on opening night. The tour started with a history lesson and drinks in the Tequila Bar before exploring multiple areas of the hotel. During the tour, we visited the ballroom, the Spanish Art Room, and the spiral staircase and even got to go to one of the rooms on the upper floor. Seeing the hotel at night was a rare treat; I must say it is beautiful. At the end of the tour, we were guided down into the catacombs to see the mysterious passageways that had been off-limits for years. Not only was it unique to walk in this part of history, but it was also set up with a creepy Halloween vibe, which added to the fun. The hallways were dark with flickering lights, and motion-activated creatures jumped out from some of the corners. It wasn’t particularly scary, but it was a lot of fun. After walking the extent of the catacombs, which did not go to Mt Rubidoux, we returned to the lobby and finished the tour. If you’re a fan of history and architecture or are having a little spooky fun, this tour is the perfect way to celebrate October. Let me know what you think in the comments.
The Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Hollywood Walk of Fame
If you’re planning a trip to Los Angeles, chances are you’ve got the Hollywood Walk of Fame on your list. It’s one of those iconic attractions that blends old-school Hollywood glamour with modern tourist energy. But if you want to make the most out of your visit, a little planning goes a long way. Let’s break it down, step by step so that you can have the best experience. Getting There: Navigating LA Traffic and Parking First things first, Los Angeles traffic is no joke. So, depending on where you’re staying, getting to the Hollywood Walk of Fame might take a little patience. Here are a few options to help you get there without losing your mind: By Car: If you’re driving, be prepared for limited parking. The closest parking structures are usually at Hollywood & Highland Center, which is right near the Walk of Fame. It’s a good option for both convenience and safety, but keep in mind parking fees are usually $6 – $10 per hour, depending on the day. You can usually get the first two hours for $3 if you validate with one of the shops or restaurants in the Hollywood and Highland Center though. By Metro: The LA Metro Red Line stops at Hollywood/Highland Station, putting you just steps away from the action. This is probably the easiest and most stress-free way to visit the Walk of Fame if you’re not super keen on dealing with parking. By Rideshare: Uber or Lyft is another easy choice. It might save you time, especially since traffic can be unpredictable, and you won’t have to worry about parking. This depends on where you are coming from though and the best option is going to be Metro if you don’t have a car and are close to a stop. Video Here is a video I made on the whole trip. [embedded content] What Is the Hollywood Walk of Fame? The Hollywood Walk of Fame is that famous stretch of sidewalk where over 2,700 celebrities have left their mark—literally. You’ll find the names of stars from film, television, music, radio, and even live performance arts etched into brass stars set into the sidewalk along 1.25 miles of Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street. It’s a unique tribute to the entertainers who’ve shaped pop culture over the decades. History of the Walk of Fame: Where It All Began A little history always adds depth to any experience, right? The Hollywood Walk of Fame was first conceived in the 1950s as a way to maintain the glamour of Hollywood during a time when TV was beginning to overshadow movies. The first star was laid in 1960 for director Stanley Kramer, kicking off what would become one of LA’s most iconic attractions. You can still see it today at the corner of Hollywood and Glower. Today, it’s not just about movies. You’ll find stars representing musicians, TV personalities, and even fictional characters (shoutout to Mickey Mouse). The Walk is an ever-evolving celebration of entertainment history, with 10 – 12 new stars being added each year. How Much Does a Star on the Walk of Fame Cost? Here’s something most people don’t know—a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame isn’t just earned, it’s bought. Well, sort of. Celebrities are nominated for a star, and if they’re approved by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, they (or their sponsors) have to pay a hefty fee. The current cost: Around $75,000. This fee covers the installation and maintenance of the star, as well as the ceremony itself, which is usually a pretty big deal with fans and media in attendance. But it’s not just about paying the fee. The celebrity has to agree to the ceremony within two years of their selection and they have to agree to appear at the ceremony as well. So, while it’s an honor, there’s a bit of a financial and scheduling commitment involved too. How to Best Experience the Walk of Fame: Tips and Must-Sees Now that you’re there, how do you make sure you don’t miss anything important? The Walk of Fame stretches for 1.3 miles along Hollywood Boulevard, so there’s a lot to see, but these tips will help you get the most out of your visit. Start at Hollywood & Highland: This area is bustling with tourists, street performers, and the Dolby Theatre (where the Oscars are held). You’ll get those postcard-worthy views of the Hollywood sign from the upper levels of the shopping complex, and it’s a good starting point for your stroll along the stars. This is also the easiest place to park so it makes for a good starting point. Take a Map (or Use Your Phone): With over 2,700 stars, it can be easy to miss your favorite celebrity’s star if you’re not paying attention. Download a map or look up the locations online before you go. There are also apps that let you search for specific stars. I recommend having 5 – 10 you want to see as more than that can take a while to find. Visit During the Week: Weekends can get crazy, with tons of tourists and street performers filling up the sidewalk. If you can, go during the week when it’s a bit less crowded. Early mornings are even better if you’re after good photo ops without people in the background. Look for Iconic Stars: Marilyn Monroe, Michael Jackson, Tom Hanks, Walt Disney—these are some of the biggest names that people flock to see. But don’t forget to check out some of the iconic characters like Godzilla, Mickey Mouse and Batman as well. Take Time for the Chinese Theatre: Right along the Walk of Fame, you’ll find the historic TCL Chinese Theatre. This place is famous for its celebrity handprints and footprints. It’s a fun stop to see how your hand compares to stars like Robert Downey Jr. or Meryl Streep. My favorites here are the Harry Potter cast wand prints and the R2D2 and C3PO ones from Star Wars. Grab a Souvenir: There are tons of tourist shops along the boulevard. You’ll find everything from vintage Hollywood posters to cheesy keychains. Perfect for taking a bit of Hollywood back home with you. My favorite shop is called La La Land and it is near the Chinese Theater. Take in a Museum: There are a lot of fun museums down here, ranging from the Hollywood Museum to Ripleys Believe it or not. Visit one or two while you are there. Must See Spots on the Walk of Fame Start of the Walk of Fame (Corner of La Brea and Hollywood) Pantages Theater TCL Chinese Theatre Egyptian Theater and Netflix Store El Capitan Theater Capitol Records Building Mel Drive In The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a must-see for any pop culture lover. Whether you’re a die-hard movie buff or just looking for that iconic Hollywood photo, it’s a place that truly embodies the spirit of LA. And while it might seem like just a stretch of sidewalk, the history and the stories behind each star make it a fascinating piece of American entertainment culture. Hotels If you want to stay on the Walk of Fame I recommend these two hotels – Lowes Hotel Hollywood or Hollywood Roosevelt So, next time you’re in Los Angeles, plan to take a walk where Hollywood legends live on forever—literally at your feet. Have you been to the Walk of Fame yet? Let me know which stars you’re most excited to see!
