Thanks to the research of Super Elite Yelper Gary I., we were able to tour the Phillips Mansion in…read morePomona prior to dinner nearby. The mansion, built in 1875 and maintained by the Pomona Historical Society, was the home of the one-time "richest man in LA County", Louis Phillips. Tours are conducted by reservation only and as of this writing, can be reserved here: https://www.pomonahistorical.org/phillips-mansion for $15. Our docent, pictured below, gave us many interesting details and pertinent history of the building. The grounds are lovingly maintained; the building itself could be called a "fixer-upper". It's good to see the work in progress and the building does seem to be in good hands. This tour is very highly recommended.

We enjoyed immensely the Phillips Mansion and Currier House tours yesterday afternoon. We…read moreappreciated our docents' enthusiasm and knowledge regarding the history and preservation of these buildings. The main goal for the Currier House currently is weatherproofing it from further damage. I hope that the Pomona Historical Society finds success in obtaining funding and the proper skilled craftsmen to restore it again someday.

RE: There's another review site for the beautiful Rockhaven Sanitarium at:…read more https://www.yelp.com/biz/rockhaven-sanitarium-montrose We Are Friends of Rockhaven! Agnes Richards founded Rockhaven in 1923 after being a psychiatric nurse and witnessing the cruel treatment of women with mental illness. She made sure to call each and every patient a resident, and treat them with respect. The beautiful history of Rockhaven Sanitarium (or home for the Golden Age Stars) is the most vivid piece of history that's been forgotten by so many. My favorite actress Billie Burke (Glinda, the good witch), Mrs. Topper, and, well, just too many of her parts to list resided there until her death. Do you remember Elly May Clampett? She was played by Donna Douglas, who was also a resident at Rockhaven as was, Clark Gable's first wife, Marilyn Monroe's mother, Marion Rose of Vaudeville's Statler and Rose, Broadway's actress and producer, Peggy Fears; I'm just naming a few of the long list of golden age stars that have resided at Rockhaven. And, when you're enjoying the walk you can feel the glow they left behind. It's closed now due to the COVID pandemic but we're able to go once in a while to clean up a little and just 'be' in it's past. To relish in the feeling of just 'being' there, is amazing. You're able to touch all of the past around you! This is something I've seen only in LA and its surrounding areas. This type of museum interaction is priceless; it's like watching a golden oldie but, being right next to the star you admire(d) so very much. There's a group called Friends of Rockhaven that loves and cares so much for the Sanitarium; it's so heartwarming. One of the many protectors Joanna Linkchorst has allowed us to become one of the many friends of Rockhaven and contribute to its survival. It's been such a pleasure and an honor to help in any way we can and my sincere hope is that it won't be sold for demolition or forgotten. Thank you so much, Friends of Rockhaven for all you do!

Rockhaven Sanitarium, built in 1923, marked an important historical turning point in the…read moredevelopment of safe and humane treatment of women with mental illness. Home to many of Hollywood's family members in need of a stable and caring environment, including Marilyn Monroe's mother and Billie Burke, it became known for compassionate care of those with "a mental affliction". Learn more in this Emmy-winning documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88-u9JENth0. Today, it sits empty. The City of Glendale purchased the property to save it from certain destruction; plans to develop the property stalled during the recession. Friends of Rockhaven to the rescue! Guided by Joanna Linkchorst, tours of the property have educated scores of people about the important history of the sanitarium. Learn more about how to support this effort here: http://www.friendsofrockhaven.org/ Stigma is stigma. So many people have suffered unnecessarily due to prejudice against mental illness. Thank you, Rockhaven, for showing us a different way to peace and health.

I booked this tour with Grave line for my husband's birthday because he loves true crime, and it…read moreended up being the perfect gift! Our guide, Ansley, was respectful, knowledgeable, approachable, and friendly. She really brought the stories to life and made everyone feel comfortable asking questions. The vintage funeral car was such a cool and fitting touch for the Manson Family Murders Tour (and the main reason why I booked the tour). About 80% of the experience was spent in the car, which was cozy and gave us plenty of time to soak in the history while listening to music from the era. Including Manson, The Beach Boys, and The Beatles, to name a few. We also made three stops along the way to get out, take photos, and see key locations up close. As a mortician, the experience carried an extra layer of meaning. I actually helped funeral direct the service for the LaBiancas' granddaughter (who had the same fate as her grandparents). So hearing and seeing this history firsthand felt deeply personal and surreal. If you're into true crime or Los Angeles history, this tour is an absolute must. Graveliners and Ansley made the experience both educational and unforgettable. We loved every minute!

We have now done 2 tours with this company. The Manson murders with Blaze and Death Becomes Her…read morewith Ainsley! Both tours and guides were fantastic!! Highly recommend and can't wait to book another tour! So much fun and so much knowledge!!! Great find!

Really enjoyed the Victorian home tour with a docent! We came here on Saturday at 12 and we had…read moreMichelle as the tour guide, she was very informative and articulate. Felt like we went through time travel because we were able to witness old fashioned interiors and antiques. Some of the furniture were still there since the 1800's. Amazing. Intrigued. Intricate details on the doors walls and furniture. Learned that Riverside was a very affluent city from oranges. Sugar was very valuable back then and Chinese servants worked at the Victorian mansion. Makes me appreciate how much technological advancement there has been to make the modern life more efficient and convenient.

Riverside historical heritage house hosts community events throughout the year. You can hang out on…read morethe courtyard and enjoy some live music with local musicians, ice cream and crafts for kids. The house tour takes a few groups at a time while you can learn about the history of the home. Will require stairs. There's also the back shed area with historical items and tools, vehicles. Welcoming and friendly staff. Parking lot across the street is usually open for community events.

I went on a private vintage shopping tour with April, and WOW! I work in fashion (I've been a…read morestylist for 16 years). I've always admired vintage clothing, but I wasn't familiar with the older brands or their history. April knew EVERYTHING! She was so knowledgeable and was able to pick out gems I would have otherwise overlooked. I want to do one of her group tours next. Such a unique and fun experience for fashion lovers.

A thoroughly captivating and enjoyable walking tour. The amount of colorful history shared and the…read morepace were just right. Plus, you feel like you're walking with a celebrity.

I cannot say enough wonderful things about our experience here at Rubel Castle. Our host, guide,…read moreand local "Rubelligent" volunteer, Ms. Kathleen had all the intel about this historical property. She was so knowledgeable and helped set the stage for us to slip into a forgotten era and get a glimpse of how imagination met inventiveness with a DIY charm. ~ A LITTLE BACKSTORY FOR YOU ~ It's not pronounced Rubel as Barney from Flintstones. Rather, it's like Target is to Targét when we are trying to be fancy. So that's Rubel as in "Roo-bell." Unlike modern-day construction, Rubel Castle wasn't built overnight. It was made of collected recyclables and construction rubble that spanned many decades and took several friends and volunteers to build it. For Michael, however, the lifetime inspiration was first sparked at the age of 9. His love for canons was where it started and the rest is history you can hear about on the tour. But don't just show up like we did randomly one day. To book, visit RubelTours.org and make a reservation. ~ OUR TOUR EXPERIENCE ~ It's as if Michael Rubel, the creator and mastermind of this enchanted dominion had intended it to be--magical. Built in the castle period of wood and tin, every corner captured our interests, from antique cars to the 1890's Seth Thomas Tower Clock with a unique backstory (and only six in existence today). There were old vending machines, tools, trinkets, and machinery that time had long forgotten. Did I mention there was a drawbridge? Yes, and a dungeon too. I was just waiting for a dragon to come swoop down on us next. Walk in the footsteps of famous visitors like Alfred Hitchcock, Dwight Eisenhower, Jack Benny, and Bob Hope. It's a feast for the eyes no matter where you glance. I particularly enjoyed the bottle house that Michael built in 1968 as his "home" as a kid. That independent spirit was quite charming to see. ~ WATERCOLOR NATURESCAPE ~ We were fortunate to have our gracious host lead us on a tour and organize a special art crafting experience outdoors. It was absolutely lovely beneath the trees and between rusted vintage cars from the turn of the century. We each got a small canvas to paint our flowers in watercolor. (This particular experience takes place in the Spring and Fall, weather permitting.) We heard the squirrels rattling in the leaves and birds chirped and sang in the trees above. We discovered that peacocks apparently originated from this property, compliments of Michael Rubel. And did I mention that on the far side of the property, a custom garden was in full bloom? BOOK A TOUR Help support the Glendora Historical Society and keep this magnificently unique city-castle maintained. It's worth it.

A castle in Glendora? Yes, your eyes aren't deceiving you--Rubel Castle is real, it's magnificent,…read moreand it's gloriously eccentric. Thanks to the sheer persistence (and probably delightful stubbornness) of Michael Rubel, we now have this quirky, towering State Treasure sitting right in the middle of Glendora like a fairy tale that accidentally took a detour through a hardware store. This place is beautifully done, and part of its charm is that it's a full-on hodgepodge of relics, antiques, crystal trinkets, and "wait... what is that doing here?" moments tucked into every nook and cranny. You'll marvel, you'll laugh, you'll squint in confusion--honestly, it's everything you'd want in a castle built with love, imagination, and a dash of madness. And let's talk about the makeshift cemetery. Quirky? YES. Fun? Absolutely. Slightly spooky? Only if your imagination is over-caffeinated. But it fits the vibe perfectly--like the castle whispered, "You know what I'm missing? A tiny cemetery." The tours are fantastic, the guides are passionate, and the whole experience feels like you're stepping into a living scrapbook of California history and charming chaos. Overall: Amazing, amazing place. Book your tour. They only do tours every first Sunday of the month, so set your alarms, mark your calendars, tie a string around your finger--just don't miss it. Rubel Castle is truly a California State Treasure, and an absolute must-see for anyone who appreciates creativity, history, and a little eccentric sparkle.

It is surprising what temporarily retiring can do for you…read more So i have a week off between job change. To say the least, the last 2 years and 10 months had been "intense". Between breaking up with my ex, working every single US holidays, i have not been paying attention to anything else. Since my ex lived in this area, i drove by this street alot in the past 6 years and i have never noticed this GEM until now. Full disclaimer: my favorite mechanics is just down the street. i did not visit my ex on purpose. This little village preserved alot of historical buildings. It is nice to see how things were started, how do people used to live. Garden Grove had a humble beginning for sure. Thanks

Very interesting. However the grounds were not kept up and a lot of dirt and webs on the…read morestructures. Was sad to see the village was not clean and kept up better so I took away one star for that

Best tour ever for Disney fans!!! Go to Waltland.com and purchase your tickets to have Legendary…read moreDisney Imagineer, Bob Gurr, give you a historical tour of Walt Disney's life in the surrounding area of LA from 10am to 3pm with an included box lunch. Meet at the LA Zoo parking lot in the S section, parking is free, and bring cash (Merry Go Round only takes cash). Water, Coke, and wine are provided. Thanks to his crew: Ernie and Raul (motor coach driver), we were taken on a journey through historical Los Feliz, Griffith Park, Glendale, and Burbank. Highlights included: the merry go round that inspired Walt Disney to create Disneyland; Gene Autry Museum to stop for the boxed lunch with choice of ham, turkey, or caprese sandwich with potato chips and oatmeal cookie; 1 hour stop at Walt's Barn; and the exterior of the Walt Disney Imagineering buildings. Also, if you pay extra for the VIP upgrade, you can sit closer to the front of the bus. If you decide to upgrade even more to the lunch with Bob, you will also receive an autographed poster from Bob. Well worth every moment to hear the stories and experiences that Bob Gurr has to share, it was legendary! So, buy your ticket for $105 to the Waltland Bus Tour, and get ready for a Gurr...reat time!

From the owner: Disney Legend Bob Gurr guides you on an magical journey on a luxury coach to 12 historic Walt…read moreDisney sights in the LA area. Includes a box lunch picnic.

Beautiful house!! We had tea this morning and got a tour of the house afterwards. The food was…read moregood, if a bit heavy on the sweets. Hibiscus and English Breakfast tea was served with all the little fixings. We also got to meet Charlotte the cat, who is SUCH a little sweetheart. She's a real people lover and won't say no to a good pet. Everyone was so friendly and the tour was very interesting. I think I'll pay another visit sometime, it was so awesome :)

I attended a great community event here today thanks to the #willmoreassociation for a fantastic…read morebreakfast. The Bembridge House is a hidden gem in Long Beach if you haven't visited , it's totally worth it. The only thing is that parking is very impacted in the area, I was lucky today to secure a parking spot. I was told by a very nice lady there will be a Halloween party here this year. Put on your list for a place to visit check the website for tour info....

Our tour guide Meri gave us 5 star service. She was very professional and made everyone feel…read morecomfortable and happy. The office staff were not as friendly, hence 4 stars instead of 5.

First Bus it's very uncomfortable and hat inside Second no…read moreservice for that much money we spend Third very bad planing