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The Western Rose: Pasadena
Pasadena is one of the most well known cities in Southern California, whether for the annual Rose Bowl Parade and Rose Bowl, as the home of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, it's many cultural attractions or even the Beach Boys hit of the 1960's. There is a lot of history and a wealth of things to see and do in this city, located just outside of Los Angeles. Even if you've never visited the city, you probably know at least a little about Pasadena.
So what is it about Pasadena that makes it so unique? Other cities in sunny Southern California have an interesting past, but none stands out the way Pasadena does. As with most California towns, Pasadena was first inhabited by Native Americans - a tribe related to the Shoshone. One of the early settlers was the honorable Benjamin Wilson, who established his Lake Vineyard property in the area. In 1873, a doctor from Indiana visited Wilson, in search of a place he could bring clients with respiratory ailments. Soon afterward, the newcomers incorporated their community as an Indiana Colony. The name they eventually gave themselves, Pasadena, comes from an Indian phrase meaning "of the valley."
Within a decade, the town's fame spread among Easterners. In fact, in the years leading up to the Great Depression, Pasadena became a winter resort for wealthy Easterners. With the influx of settlers from the East came new cultural attractions. Artists, actors, and scientists were among those who helped bring fame to Pasadena. The Pasadena Playhouse, which presents seven shows a season, got its start here in 1917. The Norton Simon Museum, containing art that spans more than 2,000 years from all over the world, was founded in 1922. Pasadena's Art Center of College and Design, a leader in art and design education that trains students to make an impact on the world through their talents, was established in 1930. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) got its start in 1936, with a group of men who refused to believe that rockets only belonged in science fiction. JPL is now a highly respected center for NASA in robotics and spacecraft design and manufacturing.
Once an agricultural community, Pasadena saw a building boom from 1886 to 1888. The Old Pasadena Historic District represented the focus of commerce and industry for the entire San Gabriel Valley. During the 1920s, the Spanish Colonial Revival style of architecture gained popularity. Visitors today can see remnants of that era by looking at the facades on buildings facing Colorado Boulevard. Perhaps the city's #1 claim to fame is the annual Tournament of Roses, a New Year's Day tradition that has been traveling the same route through town for decades. The event started in 1890, courtesy of Pasadena's Valley Hunt Club. As former residents of the East Coast and the Midwest, Californians wanted to let their friends back East know about the state's beauty and mild winter weather. As one professor said, "Let's hold a festival to tell the world about our paradise."
Following the parade each year is a tradition that started in 1902: the Rose Bowl. This American college football bowl game has been nicknamed "The Granddaddy of Them All," and has been played every year since 1916. Since 1947, the game has been sold out every year. Even though TV now makes it easy to enjoy these events from a distance, there's nothing like being there in person. For places to stay while you're there, check out Pasadena hotels and lodges online.
About the Author If you're coming to Pasadena, wear some flowers in your hair and be sure to choose from the impressive selection of Pasadena hotels available for all budgets.
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