Arcadia Weekend on a Budget

Arcadia...filled with mansions, peacocks, and the well-heeled...is not known for being cheap. Surprisingly, it can be done on a low budget. Come along as we explore this well-to-do neighborhood with just a few dollars in our pocket.

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Oak Tree Inn
In the midst of the hotel and restaurant row that Arcadia shares with neighboring Monrovia are plenty of hotels with prices in the triple digits. This place, with Motel 6 like prices, is still nice. Comfortable rooms featuring two queen or one king sized bed, flat screens with extensive channel selection, pool, spa, and continental breakfast start at $65. It's in the heart of everything and is adjacent to a very good Claim Jumper restaurant.
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Le Roy's Highland Restaurant
Two things to know about Le Roy's (nobody calls it the Highland Cafe around here)...you'll have a delicious low-priced breakfast and you'll wait to get it. Le Roy's is a local breakfast institution. Look for the sign with the lion. Starting well under $10.
Many picnic table, grassy expanses to spread a picnic blanket on, tennis courts, swimming pool, baseball diamonds, a golf course, and even lawn bowling await you.
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Monrovian Family Restaurant
Kind of an upscale coffee shop, The Monrovian has one of the best Chicken Fried Steak meals I've ever had. Comes in a breakfast version with eggs, toast and hash browns, or a dinner version with mashed potatoes, dinner roll, salad, and vegetables. Both are under $10.
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Santa Anita Canyon Loop Trail
Let's go for a hike! Drive north on Santa Anita Avenue and it will lead you up into the mountains. A couple of miles later, the road will end at a parking lot that's home to a mule pack station and snack bar. Take an easy trek down the trail here to find streams, waterfalls, and swimming holes. Come early, the small parking lot fil... More >
Let's go for a hike! Drive north on Santa Anita Avenue and it will lead you up into the mountains. A couple of miles later, the road will end at a parking lot that's home to a mule pack station and snack bar. Take an easy trek down the trail here to find streams, waterfalls, and swimming holes. Come early, the small parking lot fills up fast. Free but you'll need an adventure pass (available at the ranger headquarters on Santa Anita next to the 210 freeway) to park. They cost $5.
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Lucky Baldwins Delirium and Cafe
Working up a thirst from your hike, turn right at Sierra Madre Blvd. on your way down Santa Anita. This great European-style pub on the corner of Sierra Madre and Baldwin Avenue has over 50 taps, none of which serve Bud, Miller, or Coors. You're sure to find some quality brew to slake your thirst here starting at $4 a pint.
Extensively used by Hollywood, Baldwin's house, and the pond in front of it, was where Tatoo would yell out "da plane, da plane" and Mr.
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Arcadia Park
This green park, with leafy climbable trees is where Arcadians go to play and relax. Many picnic table, grassy expanses to spread a picnic blanket on, tennis courts, swimming pool, baseball diamonds, a golf course, and even lawn bowling await you. Free but there are fees for golfing.
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Los Angeles County Arboretum
The former estate of the city's founder, Lucky Baldwin, is now an extensive and beautiful public garden with roaming peacocks, waterfalls, and even jungle trails. Extensively used by Hollywood, Baldwin's house, and the pond in front of it, was where Tatoo would yell out "da plane, da plane" and Mr. Rourke would welcome the visitors to... More >
The former estate of the city's founder, Lucky Baldwin, is now an extensive and beautiful public garden with roaming peacocks, waterfalls, and even jungle trails. Extensively used by Hollywood, Baldwin's house, and the pond in front of it, was where Tatoo would yell out "da plane, da plane" and Mr. Rourke would welcome the visitors to Fantasy Island. $8 for adults, kids are $3.
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Din Tai Fung Dumpling House
The San Gabriel Valley has one of the largest Asian populations in the world. Arcadia is the northern end of that population. That makes for some very good ethnic Asian restaurants. This is no middle American chop suey joint. Come here for the xiao long bao - juicy pork dumplings - that you can spice up with rice vinegar and chile sauce. It's incredibly good and just part of an extensive menu. An order of 10 dumplings... More
The San Gabriel Valley has one of the largest Asian populations in the world. Arcadia is the northern end of that population. That makes for some very good ethnic Asian restaurants. This is no middle American chop suey joint. Come here for the xiao long bao - juicy pork dumplings - that you can spice up with rice vinegar and chile sauce. It's incredibly good and just part of an extensive menu. An order of 10 dumplings is around $8.
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About the Author

Darryl Musick
Darryl Musick
I produce a travel blog with my son, Tim, who uses a wheelchair. You can see our adventures at http://wheelstraveler.blogspot.com and you can send us a message at dmusick61-at-gmail.com
Websitefacebook.com/darryl.musick
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