JEREMY THE BLOGGER

In San Diego, CA there is a neighborhood called University Heights, which is located about four miles north of the downtown core.  Within this neighborhood lies four distinct historical districts, featuring homes and commercial buildings dating back as early as 1907 with various architectural styles such as Craftsman, American Colonial Revival, Spanish Colonial Revival, Tudor Revival, Minimal Traditional and Ranch. The first of these districts that I have visited is the Spalding Place Historic District which consists of a few commercial buildings and about ten humble Craftsman bungalows, built between 1909 and 1912.  This narrow and unassuming street hosts a delightful collection of quality homes from the past, many of which have been nicely kept up and restored.  Spalding Place is located one block south of Adams Avenue, between Park Boulevard and Georgia Street.

On the eastern edge of Downtown Los Angeles lies the Arts District, a vibrant neighborhood full of art galleries, museums, restaurants, coffee shops and more.  My first time there was on a Sunday morning in March, 2023.  It was a nice Spring day with a cool breeze and very few people out and about, which made walking the neighborhood comfortable.  Largely composed of industrial buildings dating from the early 20th century, the area has been revitalized in the recent decade to incorporate live work lofts and new construction apartments and condominiums.   My self-guided walking tour was truly enjoyable with the unique architecture and surprisingly peaceful neighborhood next to the usually bustling Downtown Los Angeles core.  I was also pleasantly surprised that there were no homeless people anywhere to be found and how clean the streets and surrounding areas were. Some highlights of the neighborhood: Boxx Coffee Roasters - 950 E 3rd St, Ste 102.   ...

The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens really has it all; flowers, art, architecture, great food and the list goes on.        Photo Notes: The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens | San Marino, CA | September 2019 | Canon Rebel

I am back after a little over a month of not posting.  I decided I needed a break so I took one.  I have the luxury of doing so with my profession but I do recommend that everyone, whether you work a full-time job, attending school, or whatever your situation is, make sure you take the time for yourself to rejuvenate and focus on new goals and of course, the future.    Photo Notes: Golden Gate Bridge | San Francisco, CA | August 2014 | iPhone 5s

Last week, UNESCO World Heritage Center which recognizes sites of great cultural, historical, or scientific importance, announced that several Frank Lloyd Wright homes were added as a world heritage site, including the Hollyhock House which I had the pleasure of visiting a few years ago. It is quite the hidden gem in Los Angles, tucked away atop a hill in East Hollywood, in the Barnsdall Art Park.  Completed in 1921, Hollyhock is a perfect example of California Modernism and a stunning beauty with many photo opportunities (photos outside the house only as they do not allow any inside which was torture for me, but I understood).   Photo Notes: Hollyhock House | Los Angeles, CA | April 2016 | Samsung Galaxy Camera 2

I first discovered the historic Barrio Viejo neighborhood of Tucson, AZ last year and fell in love with the colorful and beautiful architecture that dates back to the late 1800’s.   There are so many great streets that it was hard to choose where to begin my self-guided walking tour, but after my second visit there, I suggest starting at the intersection of W. Kennedy St. and S. Convent Ave.  But in reality, any street you pick will have plenty of opportunities to make you feel that you have stepped back in time.   Photo Notes: Barrio Viejo | Tucson, AZ | April 2018 | iPhone X

I love coffee!  I used to hate it.  In fact, I didn’t even really drink it until 2015.  I started working at a coffee roaster in Seattle and my world changed.  I learned what real, fresh coffee was and immediately after my first ever pour over using a Chemex, which is a brewing method where you pour hot water over freshly ground beans using a beautiful glass vessel, I was in love.  I learned a lot about the roasting process and what makes a good cup of coffee.   Now I enjoy going to coffee shops even more because I only pick the ones who actually roast their own coffee or better yet, have a relationship with the farmers that grow the coffee, know which beans are best to purchase and bring them back to America so we consumers can enjoy the perfect cup.   I also love finding a great space to work, relax, people watch and enjoy a latte, espresso or pour over (those are my top 3 go-to coffee drinks).  The Intelligentsia Coffee in Venic...

I will always remember the time a coworker dumbfounded me with one simple sentence.  It happened a while ago, almost ten years now, but it has stuck with me ever since.   I was working at a museum when a visitor asked me where a certain neighborhood was that she had heard about in a local guidebook and if I had any recommendations of what to do and where to eat in said neighborhood.  I excitedly explained about the great restaurants to enjoy and art galleries to explore and where it was in relation to the museum, which happened to be on the other side of the museum, no more than a five-minute drive away.  I also delved into the overall vibe of the neighborhood with its 1920’s architecture, cool boutique shops and bookstores all of which I knew first hand since I had explored the neighborhood a few days after I started my employment at the museum.  I love exploring different neighborhoods, especially ones I live in or work near.  After the visitor t...