Tucked behind the historic Reverend Henry A. McKinney House on University Avenue before it becomes La Mesa Boulevard are the museum and archives of the La Mesa Historical Society. The Palermo Building houses this material.
The society is a nonprofit, volunteer-backed organization that uses no state or city funds. Its board of directors meets monthly, with a general membership meeting quarterly. The society hosts special events three or four times a year, including a Historic Homes Tour.
Officers also can be reached at P.O. Box 882, La Mesa CA 91944.
The Martin Luther King Jr. Center commemorates Dr. King's life and contributions to America's Civil Rights movement. Located a few blocks east of downtown Atlanta, the facility is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, except major U.S. holidays. Summer hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The outdoor memorial and the indoor facilities on the center's grounds attract adults and children.
Parking and public transportation at Martin Luther King Jr. Center
The National Park Service operates a free lot adjacent to its Martin Luther King Jr. Historic Site across the street from the King Center. The entrance to this lot is on John Wesley Dobbs Ave, a block north of Auburn Avenue. No parking is permitted on Auburn Avenue in the block occupied by the center. The most convenient MARTA public transportation stop is the downtown Five Points train station. The Number 3 Auburn Avenue bus takes you from Five Points to the center in less than 10 minutes.
Best and worst time go to Martin Luther King Jr. Center
Sunday morning services at Ebenezer Baptist Church and two other large congregations nearby on Auburn help to make Sundays the worst time to visit. The best times are weekday mornings between opening and lunch hour. Avoid school groups by arriving as soon as the center opens.
Admission to Martin Luther King Jr. Center
The King Center has no admission fees for any of its indoor or outdoor facilities.
Must see/do at Martin Luther King Jr. Center
Visit Freedom Hall which houses the center's gift shop and international art exhibits. Make a tour reservation at the National Park Service Information Desk (across the street from the King Center) to enjoy a glimpse into Dr. King's early life at his birth home nearby.
Other places to visit near Martin Luther King Jr. Center
Detailed and interactive exhibits at the Martin Luther King Jr. Historic Site provide an opportunity for in-depth exploration of civil rights activities in America. Foodies will enjoy the Municipal Market, an urban farmer's market and food court, also called the Sweet Auburn Curb Market by residents.
Insider tip for visitors to Martin Luther King Jr. Center
Don't overlook the small firehouse at the intersection of Auburn and Boulevard. It has additional displays related to race relations in American life. Volunteer docents are often available to explain the historical significance of every part of the firehouse's collection.
Author's bio: Carol Luther has lived in Atlanta for 35 years. She has published travel articles in "Diamond" magazine, Arizona Central, USA Today and other websites.
Mission San Juan Capistrano is Orange County's most famous non-Disney landmark. Opened a few months after the Declaration of Independence was signed, this magnificent semi-crumbling venue provides tremendous insight to California's pre-statehood years. It's a must-see for history buffs and California school-age children.
Parking and public transportation at Mission San Juan Capistrano
There is no direct parking at the Mission, but there is plenty of free parking within a couple blocks. There is also a Metrolink station two blocks away if you want to take the train instead.
Best and worst time go to Mission San Juan Capistrano
If you want to see the swallows come back to Capistrano, you need to visit the Mission in March. Be wary of visiting on weekdays in April and May, as the venue typically gets particularly crowded with large school groups.
Admission to Mission San Juan Capistrano
It will cost between $6 and $9 to enter the Mission, depending on your age and whether or not you're with a large group. If you're local, you can also pick up an annual pass.
Must see/do at Mission San Juan Capistrano
The ruins of the Mission's Great Stone Church are considered one of California's most remarkable pieces of architecture. The tiny, historic Serra Chapel is still an active place of worship on Sunday mornings. The Native American Museum and Interpretive Room provides a glimpse into pre-mission Orange County life.
Other places to visit near Mission San Juan Capistrano
The Los Rios Historic District, California's oldest neighborhood, is a couple blocks west. If you'd rather soak up some rays, the semi-isolated beach community of San Clemente is a 10-minute drive. You're also about 20 minutes from the art galleries and boutique shops of downtown Laguna Beach.
Insider tip for visitors to Mission San Juan Capistrano
Look for the headstone of Jose Antonio Yorba in the mission's cemetery. Yorba is largely considered to be the father of Orange County, as he and his family were the region's first major settlers.
Rich Manning is a freelance writer based in Orange County, CA. He's been writing about food, drink, and lifestyle in Southern California for over ten years.
