Road Trip Part II – Huntington Library

After a day at the races, we moved on to visit the Huntington Library.  There’s a mansion that houses fine art.  And I mean fine art.  Not the kind of art where someone gathers garbage together and fancies themselves an artist.  They continue the charade by convincing others that the garbage is art – similar to the the naked emperor I suppose.  This stuff was fine and there was loads of it.  The docents were interesting to listen and learn from.  I took photos inside; but with the “no flash” restriction the photos are less than remarkable. All the beauty isn’t indoors.  There are acres of botanical beauty to explore. 

 This is the biggest hydrangea I’ve ever seen.  Isn’t that crazy?  Remarkable.This is impressive.  What must the dog that uses this look like?Visiting the green house was more than we could bear.  The heat and humidity was nothing we wanted to experience in February.  Our summer is coming soon enough.  Out we went. You need to make sure to allow plenty of time (all day) to explore.  Make sure to wear sneakers if you go.  You can thank me later. See what I mean?Prepare to walk and walk and walk and walk….Here’s what the grounds looked like in 1924 (courtesy LA Public Library). And here’s what the place looks like today.  Sheesh!  Take some sneakers.

The contents of the library itself is pretty remarkable.  Interestingly, a book I coveted at Hearst Castle was on display in the Huntington – Land of Little Rain by Mary Austin (1903).  The debate between Lincoln and Douglas with surveying books from George Washington were on display.  There were loads and loads of cases containing many interesting works.

It cost $20 to enter and explore.  Admission to The Huntington is free to all visitors on the first Thursday of every month with advanced tickets. Hours on Free Day are 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.  Reserve enough time and wear sneakers. 

These sneakers are not recommended for comfortable touring.