Los Angeles is a city full of bright lights, fast cars and loud people. So when an Elf just needs to take a step back and find some breathing room where does she go? (Yes, shoe shopping...but besides the obvious answer.) She goes to San Marino and visits The Huntington Library, Art Collection, and Botanical Gardens. Here is the place where the constant noise and stress of the city falls away, and leaves you with an unusual and rare feeling: peace.
With 207acres (120 of which are open to the public) where does one begin her journey? Admittedly, I saw a sign for The Conservatory and thought immediately of the game Clue; that seemed like a good place to start. The Conservatory is actually divided into several segments focusing on different climates. There is the Rain Forest, Cloud Forest, Bog, and Plant Lab. The Rain Forest is also where they keep the infamous “corpse flower” which just recently bloomed and had the stench of rotting meat. So I guess my Clue analogy wasn’t too far off! I then went into “the bog” section and studied plants that trap insects; such as the Venus fly trap or butter wort pictured here. See? I’m studying, I have a magnifying glass, I can be smart!
While I felt like I was learning a lot about horticulture, I also wanted to get into the more romantic side of The Huntington. So I went into the home of Henry E. Huntington and his wife, Arabella. Let’s just say, I am moving in. I don’t eat so I can’t imagine I would take up much space! Maybe this could even be a new Legends headquarters? (Must be sure to talk to Captain Lucky about that.) The Huntington art gallery is truly magnificent. Amongst its extensive collection, it houses both the famous Blue Boy and Pinkie paintings in the Thornton Portrait Gallery. It is also within a close walking distance to the Tea Room where I stopped to sip some tea and pretended to eat. Now this is nice! A lovely atmosphere, great tea, and what appears to be delicious food consisting of tiny sandwiches, cheeses, caviar, and fruit. I couldn’t help but think what a great place this would be to take someone on a date. Like, if someone were to ask me on a date I would love to go back here with them. Like, if Tauren were to ask me on a date I think this would be a great place. Not like he asked me, but it would be okay if he did. I’m just saying. But I would recommend making a reservation, as it is a very popular place for people who are coworkers, or maybe they have a day off from saving the world or whatever. I’m just saying.
Outside of the tea room is another romantic spot: the rose gardens. Rows of gorgeous roses in all kinds of beautiful colors and smells. Unfortunately, this is where my journey ends, simply because the Huntington was closing for the day and refused my request to stay the night. But know that I will be back, for there is so much more to explore on this expansive property! Being surrounded by so much greenery and breath-taking flowers reminded me of home. And sometimes that can make an Elf lonely. But it is infinitely less lonely if you have someone to cuddle up with at the end of the day. I’m just saying.
~Leawyn
For more information on The Huntington visit www.huntington.org
