22 Apr 2012
Pasadena and the Citadel Outlets: Art, Edibles and Shopping
Explore Old Pasadena and the Huntington Library, Art
Collections and Botanical Gardens Before Heading
Off to Shop 'Til You Drop at a Major Outlet Mall
LOS ANGELES—(April 22, 2012)—Pasadena may be known worldwide for its annual Tournament of Roses Parade, but this vibrant city has a lot to offer 365 days a year, with renowned museums, a historic entertainment district and a cornucopia of cuisines.
The City is home The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens, whose extensive collection such famous works as Gainsborough's masterpiece "The Blue Boy" and Lawrence's "Pinkie." Located on the estate belonging to its founder, railroad baron Henry E. Huntington, the library unveiled a yearlong, $6.8 million renovation of its century-old Japanese Garden. The nine-acre sanctuary features koi-filled ponds, a distinctive moon bridge, an historic Japanese house and an authentic ceremonial teahouse set within a traditionally landscaped tea garden.
Earlier this year The Huntington acquired an extensive and extraordinarily rare collection of Civil War telegraph messages, including a number of coded communiqués between Abraham Lincoln and officers of the Union Army. The near complete archive of Thomas T. Eckert, head of the military telegraph office of the War Department under President Lincoln, was thought to have been destroyed. The collection, which includes crucial correspondence that has never been published, will go on display later this fall. Other notable collections include rare books, such as an original Gutenberg Bible, and some four million literary treasures and manuscripts.
Nearby is Old Pasadena, offering a charming walking district filled with shops and restaurants where visitors can experience history, architecture and culinary delights. Once just a land of orange groves, this 22-block National Register Historic District now features 200 of Southern California's hottest retailers, one-of-a-kind boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and clubs. There's no shortage of cuisines from many corners of the world, and visitors who can't decide where to dine, or who want to sample several delicacies can embark on a culinary journey via Melting Pot Tours.
The three and a half hour tour covers more than a mile as participants meander through colorful alleyways, hidden arcades and charming courtyards. There are 10 culinary stops for foodies to savor, including ethnic eateries and sweet havens. Tour goers can bite into a mouthwatering Mexican torta sandwich, sample Asian fusion fare against a sexy sunlit setting, and indulge in decadence at a chocolate shop. There is also yak dumplings seasoned with Himalayan herbs and spices to devour, silky Italian gelato to savor and delicious dim sum to nibble. Participants receive a souvenir Melting Pot Food Tours backpack, comprehensive reference guide that includes all featured locations, and a sensory experience with a visit to a handmade soap kitchen complete with a free soap sample to bring home.
For some real power shopping, the Citadel Outlets, LA's only outlet shopping destination located southeast of Pasadena, features 115 brand-name retailers offering merchandise at up to 70 percent below retail prices. Set in what resembles an Assyrian castle, once used as a backdrop in the movie "Ben Hur," the building was originally home to the Firestone Tire Factory. Stores include H&M, Banana Republic Factory Store, Juicy Couture, GUESS by Marciano, Kenneth Cole Factory Store, BCBG, Ann Taylor Factory Store, Calvin Klein, and many more.
The Citadel Outlets has come a long way since its historical façade was erected 80 years ago. The former tire factory has transformed into a 900,000-square-foot, mixed-use commercial property featuring a 201-room Doubletree Hotel and four multi-tenant office buildings, as well as outlet shops.
Contacts:
The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens
1151 Oxford Road
San Marino, CA 91108
001-626-405-2100
www.huntington.org
Media contact:
Lisa Blackburn, communications coordinator
011-626-405-2140
lblackburn@huntington.org
Lisa Blackburn
Lisa Blackburn is a senior member of The Huntington's Communications staff with more than 26 years of experience working with the institution. She serves as writer and editor of the members' newsletter, and is also responsible for media relations and social media messaging on behalf of The Huntington.
Pasadena Convention and Visitors Bureau
300 East Green Street
Pasadena, CA 91101
001-626-795-9311
Toll-free: 800-307-7977
Media contact:
Janet Zaldua, director of tourism and communications
011-626-395-0211
jzaldua@pasadenacenter.com
Janet Zaldua
As the director of tourism and public relations for the Pasadena Convention and Visitors Bureau, Janet Zaldua is responsible for branding the city as a destination for meetings, conventions and tourism. She works closely with the media as well as oversees social media marketing, sponsorship development and event planning.
Melting Pot Food Tours
8484 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 220
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
001-424-247-9666
Media contact:
Lisa Scalia, proprietor
001-424-247-9666
lisa@meltingpottours.com
Lisa & Diane Scalia
Sisters, business partners and bona fide foodies, Lisa and Diane Scalia are the creators of Melting Pot Food Tours. These native Angelenos first launched their company in 2008 by offering locals and visitors one-of-a-kind culinary experiences. Now Melting Pot Food Tours is touted as a "must experience" by travel and food writers. Both sisters have a combined 25 years experience in the culinary arts with Diane listing chef, cookbook author and food writer as her credits, and Lisa having dabbled in catering.
The Citadel
100 Citadel Drive, Suite 480
Los Angeles, CA 90040
001-323-888-1724
www.citadeloutlets.com
Media contact:
Deborah Blackford
Blackford & Associates
001-714-285-8765
blkfrd@earthlink.net
Traci Stokes Markel
Traci Stokes Markel, marketing director for Citadel Outlets, has extensive experience in innovative marketing strategies, special events, tourism and outlet retailing. She is charged with promoting the image, branding and development of Citadel Outlets and its unique retailers.
About The Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board
Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board is a private, nonprofit business association whose primary mission is to market and promote Los Angeles as the premier site for meetings, conventions and leisure travel. Though not part of City government, Los Angeles Tourism is recognized as the City's official tourism marketing organization. For more information, visit the official visitor information website of Los Angeles at www.discoverLosAngeles.com. Please visit our FaceBook page at facebook.com/LosAngelesFan or follow us on Twitter @discover_LA.
Los Angeles International Pow Wow is supported by the following Premiere Partners; Brand USA, Los Angeles World Airports, and Visit California. The Premiere Event sponsors are Cirque du Soleil, Hollywood & Highland and Universal Studios Hollywood. The Platinum sponsors are The GRAMMY Museum, LA Waterfront, Metro, and Wolfgang Puck Catering.
The Gold sponsors are Beverly Hills Conference & Visitors Bureau, CityPASS, Coach America, DFS, Downtown Business Improvement District, The Grove, Hollywood Entertainment District, Merlin Entertainments Group, Miles Marketing Destinations, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, Original Farmers Market, Palm Springs Desert Resort Communities CVA, Pasadena Convention & Visitors Bureau, Santa Barbara Conference & Visitors Bureau and Film Commission, Santa Monica Convention & Visitors Bureau, Starline Tours & Tour Coach Charters, Temecula Convention & Visitors Bureau, and the West Hollywood Marketing & Visitors Bureau. The Silver sponsors are Beverly Center, The Capital Grille, Citadel Outlets, City of Santa Clarita, Joie de Vivre Hospitality, Malibu Family Wines, Premium Outlets, and Visit Mendocino County. The Bronze sponsors are da Vinci Villa, El Monte RV, Integrated Transportation Services, and Japanese Assistance Network.
Media contacts:
Carol Martinez Beth Brett
Vice President, Communications Director, Communications
phn: 213/236-2357, fax 213/425-1457 phn:213/236-2397, fax 213/452-1497
cmartinez@LATourism.org bbrett@LATourism.org
For more information on Los Angeles visit www.discoverLosAngeles.com
Visit us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/LosAngelesFan
Follow us on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/tourism_LA
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(04/12)
