If one thing in particular stands out about Whittier, California, it's the
passion locals have for history of their region.
In addition to the Pio Pico house and volunteers in period costume shown above,
Whittier has hundreds of historic homes, and offers annual tours of the houses,
re-enactments and celebrations of the history, a proud sense that the past has
meaning.
While Whittier is conveniently located not
far from major Southern California attractions in the Los Angeles region, it
also enjoys its own tucked away look and feel you won't find in many cities
today. Many cities are fairly new, with only scant or no remnants of the past to
provide roots for youngsters growing up, or adults moving into the area. But
Whittier, on the other hand, offers clubs you can join to connect with history,
and houses come up for sale from time to time, offering the adornments not seen
in homes built today.
What to see? Pio Pico! In 1927 Pio
Pico became one of the earliest state historic parks. Its grounds include the
Pico house, built in 1870 as a grand hotel. Pico was one of the few Mexican
settlers and land-holders to maintain ownership of his ranch and properties he
acquired before the American invasion. Open throughout the week (Thurs. - Sun.)
Location: 6003 Pioneer Blvd., Whittier, CA. piopico.org.
In addition to the Pio Pico State Historic
Park, you may want to take a drive through the historic homes districts that
include Craftsman-style houses predominantly, mixed with other architectural
styles. Beautifully restored properties are featured in an annual home
tour is held usually in the fall and is sponsored by Whittier Historic
Neighborhood Association. whittierhistoric.org
Where to stay? Uptown Whittier offers easy
access to Disneyland and California adventure.
Just steps from the campus of Whittier College, the
Radisson Whittier hotel
Whittier provides an ideal hub for business travelers visiting Los
Angeles and Orange Counties. And, because of its location in the
colorful and historic Uptown Whittier Village, the hotel is also the
perfect home base for leisure travelers.
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