The J. Paul Getty Museum, according to its own website, “seeks to further knowledge of the visual arts and to nurture critical seeing by collecting, preserving, exhibiting and interpreting works of art of the highest quality.”

That means it has neat stuff for you to look at.

The museum is located in Los Angeles at the Getty Center, atop a hill overlooking the parking lot that is the 405 freeway (museum access is via Sepulveda Blvd). Drive by during rush hour and you’ll have plenty of time to stare at its wonder and watch the tram shuttle people up its steep hill.

Inside the museum you will find paintings, drawings, sculpture, illuminated manuscripts, decorative arts, and photographs from Europe and America.

There is a smaller J. Paul Getty Museum at the Getty Villa in Malibu, just off the Pacific Coast Highway and directly across from the beach. This one wins the battle of location.

However, the real winner is you, the art-loving public, because admission to both Getty Museums is free (however, the Getty Villa requires an advance, timed ticket for occupancy reasons).

Visit L.A., and add a free day of culture to your vacation. Sounds nice, doesn’t it?

This post is part of the UpTake Monday Museums & Monuments Series.

Photo: Allan Ferguson via Flickr

See what I did there? To be fair… and we’re talking about fairs. You can’t teach that.

But I digress. It’s state and county fair time, people, and that means all the cotton candy, churros and hastily assembled thrill-rides your stomach can handle. Not to mention your kid’s tummy. That’s always a good time.

In addition to midway games and attractions the fair is always a great place to support the various members of the community. Whether you like pottery, baking or livestock, there is something for everyone. Individual smells may vary.

To find a state or county fair near you take a look at CountyFairgrounds USA. They’ve got more information than I can fit in this post.

Have fun!

This post is part of our UpTake Friday Family Series.

Photo: MadeByMark via Flickr

Some of the best(?) Public Art is found on university campuses. Even artists experiment in college. Who knew?

Now you, the avid reader, get to guess where this piece is located. I’ll give you some hints. The answer is at the bottom.

Things to do: Are you a fan of Oscar Anderson’s house? Of course you are. Now in museum form!

If you like your museums a little more gun-filled, check out the Law Enforcement Museum (where rules are strongly enforced).

Do you like the food? Who doesn’t? Moose’s Tooth Pub and Pizzeria has what you’re looking for (as long as you’re looking for beer and pizza). But that’s not all! The Sourdough Mining Company gives a historic look at how early settlers used to mine for sourdough bread until someone realized they could just bake it.

Have you guessed it yet? Read More »

This Public Art was a gift to the city by the local Rotary Club. The club issued the piece in commemoration of its 85th anniversary (the club’s, not the city).

Now you get to guess where it is. I’ll give you some hints. The answer is at the bottom.

This city is famous for a certain fare, which would be too obvious to mention. However, the beer is also excellent and you can enjoy a pint or three at the Great Lost Bear and Gritty McDuff’s Brewing Company.

Things to do include counting islands with Casco Bay Lines, getting your learn on at the Museum of African Culture or seeing the things that make the city famous on a Lucky Catch Cruise.

Have you guessed it? Read More »