Pasadena for a long time suffered from downtown urban neglect. Over the last 15 years Colorado Street and surrounding blocks has enjoyed a new lease on life. High end chain stores now grace refurbished store fronts that not long ago were boarded up. Many restaurants have opened their doors. It is now a charning "village" that is fun to explore and with some of the new hotels like the Double Tree and the Ritz Carlton Huntington Hotel and Spa which make Pasadena a destination in itself.

Nationally famous for the Rose Bowl and the world famous Rose Parade, it also offers the Norton Simon Museum, the Huntington Library, and many other attractions.

So drive the short distance on the freeways to this lovely town that is young again and shop, explore and eat!

Summers are cool, fall and winter often quite mild. .