LA Experts: your thoughts please!
 

Hey LA experts, what's your take on "The Nethercutt Collection and Museum" in Sylmar? Funky fun or yawn boring?

Looking for something unique, interesting or fun to do near simi valley after we re-visit reagans museum. Any other ideas? (we've done nixon's museum, crystal cathedral, WallyWorld of course ;) )

Thanks!

No, not funky or yawn boring! If you like classic antique cars that are beautifully restored and running, and housed in awesome surroundings (spiral stairway), this is the Nethercutt Collection. There are musical instruments, a tremendous pipe organ, and hundreds of highly polished hood ornaments. You need a reservation to tour the Collection, and there may be an age restriction for children. Their website may have more information. Mention you are out of state, and they seem to be a little more lenient.

The Museum is open daily, and I'm sure it is just as beautiful as the Collection. I've only driven past the newer building. (I live down the street and against the mountains to the east - a case of "too close to home".)

This place is located in an industrial area, next to the railroad tracks,an extreme contrast to the beauty inside.
Enjoy!

Just wanted to add they are open Tuesday through Saturday (not daily as I previously stated). It is free - JB Nethercutt was co-founder of Merle Norman cosmetics.

Thanks mpf! I think we'll check it out.

Anyone know of a fun, unique, place for lunch nearby? (Or near Reagans Library and Museum?)

It's a bit of a drive from Simi to Sylmar - FYI. I used to work in Sylmar (many years ago) and there weren't many nice lunch spots. Perhaps someone on the board has more current info.

You might also consider swinging towards Ventura Blvd in Sherman Oaks to the nice restaurant choices available there. Cafe Bizou is a good lunch spot!

Thanks mommar! Approx how long from simi to sylmar (via 118 to the 5?) Then take the 405 to Sherman Oaks?

Anyone else with lunch ideas?

Mommar is correct as there aren't any good places to eat in Sylmar. Simi Valley is a newer area, and has restaurants at every off-ramp. The drive from Reagan Library to Nethercutt is about 45 minutes taking the 118 to the 405 and getting off at Roxford.

I hope the Presidential plane addition will be open by the time of your visit.

Call to make sure it's open.

Also, if you would like some delicious cookies at a discount while driving around, head over to Paradise Bakery in Sylmar. They make a lot of the cookies for Trader Joe's. Yum!

My daughter is checking with a co-worker who lives in Simi, and has children regarding lunch.

Another thought was to google Corriganville Park - former setting for old cowboy movies. You could pick up some fast food, and have a picnic there. The area includes Santa Susana Pass State Historic State Park, and on the San Fernando Valley side is Chatsworth Park. Short trails, etc. It may be warm in the summer. Never been there, but it may be a good stop for a bit of freedom for the kids.

Thanks enjoylife! Can you give me an address or location? Could it be the one in Santa Ana Main Place Mall, Galleria at Roseville or Mission Viejo, as those are the locations listed in CA on their website?

And their menu sounds perfect for a picnic at Corriganville Park, thank you mpf! I would love to pick up lunch and explore the park and old western movie area. On the park website it says it's "open through permit only"... how do we get a permit?

Thanks so much for all your help!

I'll will check into the park situation. Arrive tomorrow, I will be having relatives for 4 days; however, I will try to get this resolved asap. Any other questions, you can PM at [email protected]

Meredith

This morning I called the Rancho Simi Parks Dept. Corriganville - the movie sets burned long ago. There is a picnic pavilion and tables, and no permit is needed to enter the area.

I asked about restaurants in Simi, and there is a Chuckie Cheese near the Reagan Library. Also, a restaurant called Toppers, that has brick inside, sort of an Old Time Chicago Firehouse. They have pizza, sandwiches, and salad. It is located at Erringer and Cochran St.

Honey...here's a great place for a picnic not far from Simi:

www.gardensoftheworld.info