The Ocean Institute is an educational facility is located in the beautiful city of Dana Point. Its mission is to educate people of all ages to become responsible stewards of the ocean. The Institute is nationally known for its hands-on approach to environmental education, marine science and maritime history programs. The Ocean Institute specializes in ground-breaking marine and social science programs. It has a collection of artifacts and animals on its campus. More than 110,000 K-12 students and 6,000 teachers annually participate in the Ocean Institute's 61 award-winning programs.
The Norton Simon is a medium size museum located just a block away from Old Town Pasadena. Its collection reflects the work of artists from all over the world and done throughout many centuries, with a particularly significant compilation of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art. This is the place to enjoy the creations of renowned names like van Gogh, Renoir, Monet, and many more.
Best and worst time to go to Norton Simon Museum
The museum is open Monday through Thursday between noon and 5 p.m., except Tuesday when it is closed. Friday through Sunday hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission is free on the first Friday of the month; therefore this is also the Museum's busiest day.
Must see/do at Norton Simon Museum
There is an entire floor (downstairs) of Asian art representing countries like Nepal, India, China, Pakistan and Thailand.
At street level there are multiple medium size galleries with paintings and sculptures ranging from the 14th century to present day.
Check the sculptures both in the front of the Museum (where you can find a Rodin), as well as surrounding the pond in the garden.
Admission to the Norton Simon Museum
Youngsters under 18, active military personnel, and students with valid ID get in free of charge. For all others entrance ranges $9 to $12. Admission is free on the first Friday of the month.
Parking and public transportation to the Norton Simon Museum
The parking lot at the Museum is large and free of charge.
If using public transportation, the Metro Gold Line's Memorial Park Station would be the most convenient, at 0.8 miles (about a 17 minute walk) from the Museum. You can plan your trip at metro.net.
Food at Norton Simon Museum
The Garden Café is located at the sculpture garden and it offers salads, sandwiches, pastries, and drinks. It is a great spot to sit and enjoy the tranquil view of the pond. Food is not allowed in the galleries.
Insider tip for visitors to Norton Simon Museum
Look at Lucas Cranach the Elder's paired paintings "Adam" and "Eve" (1530) with special interest, as it could be the last time you do. These paintings are currently the center of a legal dispute over the Museum's rightful ownership. Marie van Saher wants them returned to her family, alleging that they were forced away by the Nazis from her late father in law.
Author's Bio: Dena Burroughs has lived in Los Angeles for almost 30 years. She loves Shakespeare, Vincent van Gogh, and dancing Salsa. VidaSalsera.com is her own website.
Founded in 1976, Farmington Valley Arts Center is a not-for-profit organization that caters to the public and artists by featuring viewing galleries and offering studios for rent. FVAC strives to create a strong, vibrant and diverse community where artists can explore their individual inspirations and create, create, create.
Calico Ghost Town is the epitome of California's Old West days. Nestled in the Mojave Desert of San Bernardino, this historic 19th century mining town once produced more than $20 million in silver ore in a 12-year period. However, Calico became a ghost town in the mid-1890s when silver lost its value. The miners and families packed up and moved away. Today, it is a refurbished State Historical Landmark with mostly non-functioning silver mines and a rich California history families and history buffs will love.
Must see and must do at Calico Ghost Town
Calico Ghost Town, which is part of the San Bernardino County Regional Parks system, has something for everyone. However, whether you are planning a day-trip or a weekend camping adventure, you need to make sure you explore Maggie Mine, an authentic silver mine, and take a historical tour of the town on the Calico Odessa Railroad. One activity the kids love most is experience of panning for real gold, just like the miners did in the 1800s.
Best and worst time to go to Calico Ghost Town
Since it's Southern California, there really isn't a bad time to go weather-wise, but because this is in the desert, you may want to avoid going in the hottest summer months of July through September. However, make sure to check weather reports any other time you go as this part of the state does catch quite a bit of wind, especially at night. Weekdays are better to visit than weekends, especially holiday weekends when many travelers head up the I-15 to Las Vegas. Check out the town's website for a list of upcoming events when planning your trip.
Admission to Calico Ghost Town
Calico Ghost Town is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., but closed on Christmas. A family of four can easily visit for less than $30, and children under 5 are free. Annual passes are available, and miscellaneous fees are imposed for bus tours, schools and dogs (excluding service animals). Nearby camping is available as is cabin rentals at nominal costs.
Wildlife at Calico Ghost Town
The Mojave Desert is home to a variety of wildlife including coyotes, rattlesnakes and desert tortoises. It's best to stay within your given parameters, especially when camping at night. This area has also been known to house mountain lions, bobcats and black-collared lizards. As for birds, you may catch a glimpse of a roadrunner, raven, barn owl or red-tailed hawk on your visit.
Insider tip for Calico Ghost Town
If you are planning a visit during the school year, call ahead to see how many school and youth groups will be touring on the day your attending. While the Ghost Town may not be crowded with tourists, there may be quite a few students taking in the sights.
Author's bio: Mary Beth Adomaitis is a freelance writer from Southern California. She loves to visit exciting and new places with her family. In the summer of 2014, she drove cross-country from California to Ohio (and back), visiting 14 states in two weeks.
The Museum of Indian Culture is a non-profit organization and educational center. Founded in 1980, it is dedicated to presenting, preserving and perpetuating the history of the Lenape and other Northeastern Woodland Indian cultures.
The Museum of Indian Culture is located along the Lehigh Parkway at 2825 Fish Hatchery Road outside of Allentown, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania.
The museum features dozens of arrowheads, tools, jewelry, animal pelts and other artifacts found in the Lehigh Valley and in an archaelogical site in Broomall, Pa. Displays depict Native Americans as they would have looked both prehistorically and after Europeans began to settle the area.
A gift shop offers candles, jewelry, note cards, books and other items. The museum includes a research library.
The museum hosts workshops and festivals throughout the year.
Located on Washington Park in Newton, the New Art Center is a non-profit community space that opened 33 years ago. The Center offers a range of art education programs, features regularly scheduled exhibits of local artists and student works, hosts art-focused lectures and special events and offers space rentals for private functions. Visit the New Art Center website for program registration, donations and upcoming event information.
The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum has two miles of walking trails meandering over the property where visitors can see living animals from reptiles to bears and mountain lions -- including an aquarium and a cave. Docents give free demonstrations of plants and small animals.
Best and worst times to go to Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Saturdays offer extended hours to 10:00 PM. This is special fun for those who like to find shiny scorpions with black lights. It also gives a chance to see the nocturnal animals. The worst time is after 4:00 PM, when no discounts are available. Afternoons in the summer are very hot. Bring your own bottled water; fountains provide free refills.
Must see at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Many events are scheduled throughout the year. Don't miss the hummingbirds, who are so accustomed to people that the nests are easily seen. Children love the snakes and frogs just within the gates. You may be fortunate enough to catch a docent showing them and letting kids touch them.
Admission to Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Admission varies for those 4 and above from about $6:00 to $25.00. Buying a membership gets you in and gives a chance to come back often. Military and student discounts are available; ask at the desk.
Parking at Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Unpaved parking wanders among the cactus and mesquite. Handicapped parking is near the entrance. Bus and RV parking is available. If there is an advertised event, nearby parking may fill up early.
Food at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Near the entrance a selection of foods from snacks to fancy dinners is available. Some snacks are available along the trail. Snack prices are a little above in-town prices. The dinners are relatively equal to a good dinner in town.
Insider tip for visitors at Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Try the Native American dishes made from cactus and desert plants, a special late-spring event. If you can drive mountain roads, go over Gates Pass, you can see for miles and miles across the desert. Do not touch the soft looking jumping cactus, or the fuzzy looking prickly pear; you'll get a handful of thorns. No pets are allowed, even in the parking area.
Author's bio: Joanne Birch is a freelance writer from the southern mountains of Arizona. She writes tips for parents and about the history of Arizona.
